Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:8-15 “They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” (Acts 6:10) Jesus promised that the Spirit would help the disciples speak. (Matthew 10:19-20) I’ve had times when I could sense the Spirit of Jesus speaking through me. But I have also had times when I felt my words were…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:1-7 “Known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3) Every believer is full of the Spirit, and has the wisdom of Jesus. But some reveal that more than others, some are ‘known’ to have them.; In other words, while every Jesus follower has these traits, not all use them. Stephen is especially…

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 129 “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.” (Psalm 129:2) I am reminded of Paul’s words: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) As difficult as life…

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 3-4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan is only the ‘god of this age’ through deception. Ever since Genesis 3, he has been deceiving God’s image-bearer rulers….

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 1-2 “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” (2 Corinthians 2:7) In his previous letter, Paul was quite stern about dealing with a sinner in their midst (1 Corinthians 5). But now Paul’s gracious side shows through, and he urges them to be loving and supportive….

SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:33-42 “Leave these men alone… if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.” (Acts 5:38) This is wise advice, but it is also wise advice for Jesus followers. When new movements or religious ideas arise, many Christians go on the offensive. This does not mean we need to agree with everything,…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:27-32 “That he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.” (Acts 5:31) This verse does not mean that God is ONLY concerned about the Jewish people. God’s mission from the beginning was to bless the world THROUGH Israel. “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:17-26 “Tell the people all about this new life.” (Acts 5:20) What is ‘this new life’ that they were to tell others about? Is ‘this new life’ something I’ve experienced, or something I’ve read about? I really mean this question, is ‘this new life’ real to me? I’m not casting doubt on the reality of…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:12-16 “…So that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” (Acts 5:14) In many parts of the world, the church is experiencing dramatic growth. Except for some reason here in North America, and in Europe (except maybe a few pockets). Many churches are slowly shrinking, or dying, or…

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 128 “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.” (Psalm 128:1) God is the centre of all life, all reality. God made us free to choose, to partner with Him in ruling the world. But our choices need to be wise, to line up with the way things work. God’s…